Surgical Mesh Complications

Surgical mesh is a medical device designed to provide support for tissue and organs that have been weakened or damaged. Among the main types of surgical mesh that are used in different surgeries is abdominal mesh, which is used to repair the abdomen following a hernia. Surgical mesh lawsuits have been filed alleging the various meshes do not work as they were intended and are linked to serious complications.

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Abdominal Surgical Mesh

Abdominal surgical mesh is used to help repair issues in the patient's abdomen such as hernias. Mesh is used to reinforce a hernia repair or strengthen abdominal wall tissue. The mesh is made from animal tissue or synthetic materials and can be absorbable, non-absorbable, or a combination of both.

Absorbable mesh, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) loses strength over time and is not intended as a long-term reinforcement. As the absorbable mesh, which is made from animal tissues, degrades, the patient's new tissue growth should take over and provide strength. Non-absorbable mesh is made from synthetic materials and is considered a permanent implant.

Due to serious complications, some abdominal mesh products are no longer on the market. Complications reportedly associated with recalled meshes:

Pain

Infection

Obstruction

Adhesion (when the mesh adheres to the patient's tissue)

Recurrence

Perforation

"In the FDA's analysis of medical adverse event reports to the FDA, recalled mesh products were the main cause of bowel perforation and obstruction complications," FDA notes.

Abdominal Surgical Mesh Lawsuits

Products that have faced or could face a lawsuit concerning serious complications linked to abdominal surgical mesh:

Composix Kugel Mesh

The Composix Kugel Mesh Patch has been voluntarily recalled multiple times after concerns were raised that a component in the patch could break under stress, possibly causing bowel perforations and/or chronic enteric fistulae. C.R. Bard, parent company of Davol Inc., has faced thousands of lawsuits alleging patients suffered serious medical problems linked to the use of the Composix Kugel Mesh patch.

In 2011, Bard announced it would pay $184 million to settle the majority of lawsuits filed against it. Bard had argued that problems with the memory ring were the fault of doctors implanting it and not an issue with design of the patch.

Ventralex Hernia Mesh

Bard also faces allegations linked to its Ventralex hernia mesh. Ventralex, made from polypropylene, was approved by the FDA in 2002. Plaintiffs allege it has an unreasonable risk of complications because it was not properly manufactured or designed.

Ethicon Physiomesh

In 2016, Ethicon issued a voluntary withdrawal of its flexible composite physiomesh, after unpublished data from two registries suggested the product had higher than expected recurrence rates. In announcing its withdrawal, Ethicon noted that the problem could be linked to product characteristics, operative factors, and/or patient factors. Lawsuits have been filed against Ethicon, alleging patients suffered serious health complications due to use of the flexible composite physiomesh. They further allege the composite mesh has a high risk of unreasonable side effects.

Atrium C-Qur Hernia Mesh

Makers of the C-Qur Hernia Mesh face allegations that the mesh is not suitable for its intended purpose. Patients allege the mesh "folded up" and caused pain, infection, and septic shock.

Alloderm is a skin graft used in reconstructive breast surgery and hernia repair. Complications linked to Alloderm include infection, pain, abscesses, and inflammation.

Surgical Mesh Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered Surgical Mesh damages or injuries, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a Medical Device lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.

SURGICAL MESH LEGAL ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS

Raleigh, NC: Daniel complained to his surgeon time and again about pain and swelling from his abdominal surgical mesh used to repair a hernia back in 2015, but he was told it was simply the "healing process" and that "time would heal". But how long does the healing take? In Daniel's case, time was not on his side [READ MORE]

Los Angeles, CA: The Johnson & Johnson Ethicon surgical mesh lawsuits just keep on coming. On January 19, 2018, Sharon Smith filed a new Hernia Mesh lawsuit in the US District Court for the Central District of California [READ MORE]

Atlanta, GA: It’s one thing for a medical device to result in unwanted side effects and adverse events. However, that frustration is further exacerbated when the medical device thought to be at the root of newfound pain and suffering, has failed to do its intended job in the first place. Thus, the original implantation was all for naught. That’s the claim made by a recent surgical mesh lawsuit involving the now-recalled Ethicon Physiomesh filed last week in Idaho [READ MORE]

READER COMMENTS

Posted bychuck
on June 25, 2017

Don't let a surgeon tell you mesh removal is the cure for chronic pain. I got sold on false hope. I am much worse now. Dr. in vegas wants to make money off your pain. He will convince you that you need the hernia mesh removed. More nerve damage is the only thing I got out of this sales job.

Posted byKirk Bernard
on May 8, 2017

I had R. inguinal hernia fixed on Oct.31 2011, the surgeon used a 3D Max mesh. Everything was good for 2 1/2 years, than the pain started in my stomach, than to my R. testicle which is huge and filled with fluid called hydrocele. now I have a really large lump they call a Sonoma on my L. pelvis, a little bit smaller one on my R. pelvis, and now my L. testicle is starting to swell. I can't work cause pain is always there but it gets real bad real fast at anytime.

Posted byGordon
on April 21, 2017

I been through seven abdominal hernia surgeries over last eleven years and 6 of them mesh 'was used. I have been in the emergency more times than I could remember. Bowel blockages, lost part of my bowel, major infections that kept me in hospital for weeks. I am only 50 years old and can no longer work. I am devistated... I wear a hearnia belt 24/7 and I now have another hernia that bothers me at times but trying to stay away from surgery for I was very close to having a colostomy. I do not know the kind of mesh used but I am sure Ivan obtain my medical records to find out. I do hope Canada takes legal action dealing with this.

Posted byCandis Smith
on April 6, 2017

In Dec 2012 an inguinal mesh hernia repair was performed on my husband after July of that same year he was involved in a motorcycle accident where a man u-turned in front of him but anyway they wrote it up as "related to weather conditions" we meet in 2013. He still had the one dead arm and it began to look like gangrene was sitting in. So I finally talked him into going back to the hospital. We first about 11-12 that night he fell in his work shed on his four-wheeler. He come in an complaints a little around 3-4 am we call ems in Bryan County we requested to kindly be took to East GA Regional in Statesboro Ga. They said "they aren't taking any patients" I knew that it was bull. We agreed on Memorial Health University in Savannah, GA. I won't take my dying dog there. They performed a couple of blood tests and I believe a heart test and promptly rushed us out of the hospital. Literally when shift change these were the rudest people I've ever met. I'm like excuse me bit he has metal in his shoulder do you mind. So kindly we were wheeled in the waiting room for our ride and then wouldn't even get us a ride home. About 5-6 hours later the pain becomes unbearable and no urine flow he hadn't pee'd in hours bit steadily drinking and he began puking up brownish liquid which I know now was bile. I drove to East Ga Regional and before I get the car parked he's in the back and confusion was sitting in. Dr Walton of Cedar Surgical was straight forward and told me he " was concerned due to breathing" he went on he had too he was blowing up even though he had a drain tube coming out of the nose and went all the way to his stomach. He woke up the next morning cussed me as usual he suffered from TBI and that's daily. So then they sedated him because at this point he had done snatched the tube out he was "leaving" the next day his mother came and we agreed to take him off life support he had no brain activity. I'm now 37 and a widow he was in awesome condition prior to all of this I mean at 55 yrs old I played hell keeping up he's the best thing that's ever happened to me

Posted byrobert g sweat
on March 24, 2017

I had abdominal surgery for a "diastasis rectic" on 5-15-15 performed by a A Dr Steven Webb With Memorial hospital in Jacksonville,Fl. It was laprpscopic surgery using some kind of mesh product.It was extremely painful for 2mos after and continued to be very difficult for the next 3 mos and in Oct. of 2015 the surgery had failed completely> When i questioned the doctor in Oct of 2015, he was very cold hearted about it saying that not all operations are successful. About the mesh, he stated that there was no reason to remove it-it wouldn't be a concern.

Posted bycarol simpson
on March 18, 2017

hello I had my first ventral hernia repair done in 2013 and that failed so they had to go in and do a second surgery it was to repair the mesh from the first one that broke and they didn't even remove the first mesh so the second mesh was put into fix that, and they also repaired an umbilical hernia during that surgery. I now have issues and might need a third surgery. I think I submitted a callback previously however, I had phone issues I would like to see what can be done thank you

Posted byJim
on February 7, 2017

My appendix ruptured in 2000, 4 months later I had to have mesh put in well it ripped loose so in 2001 I had a larger mesh put in. No they didn't take out first mesh well a few months later it ripped loose also. So then I had 2 meshes curling up on me until I had to have gallbladder removed an that surgeon took out both. I had the gortex mesh have there been any lawsuits against it an is it too late for me cause of how long ago it was?

Posted byDanielle Laird
on February 3, 2017

March 2015 How do you know what type they used, I had a horrible recovery which should of been quick because it was a laparoscopy. I could not sit up and I felt it pull while in the hospital they said was normal. They kept me overnight for watch. Since I still am not feeling right. Sorness and pain on my top left of my stomach, my periods are not normal as my stomach muscles don't seem right and the pain gets worse during that time. I had it so bad just recently that I called them and they said I had to see my primary. I've been sick feeling like I am being poisoned. They did an ultrasound and I go february 10th for results, but my bloodwork shows I have an infection so I was taking amoxicillin till then.. I am having the difficulty with bathroom issues and yes intercourse sore the next day.

Posted byfred kelley
on January 24, 2017

hsd ventral hernia surgery on 3/15/2015, incision did not heal properly, was treated with antibiotics wit no positive results.on 10/20/2015 i had surgery for infected surgical mesh, had to have open wound treatment for weeks to check wound for healing, still have non healed spot on belly button. mesh used was GORE DUALMESH. Please advise

Posted byKeith McGuire
on January 16, 2017

I've had two Inguinal hernia surgeries a little over two years ago. I hate to eat due to bowel problems. The testicules pain is unreal, stabbing pains and ache terribly! The doctor used Bared 3DMax mesh. I finally see a doctor to start I pray is a fix. I've given up two great jobs due to the lack of being able to stand a work.

Posted bykenny hix
on January 11, 2017

i had hernia operation aug 2015 ened up having 3 more and gallbladder taken out last one was aug 2016 still have drainage brown puss and blood daily they used DAVOL MESH THEN VENTRALIGHT THEN BARD MESH STOAMCH IS SO SWOLLON TO THIS DAY I WA SIZE 32 WAIST NOW HAVE TO WEAR 44 ANY LAWYERS TAKING CASE LIKE THIS

Posted byKhyweikiya Fielding
on January 10, 2017

I feel some stabbing pain in abdomen area.hernia surgery May 24,2012.

Posted byElizabeth Jacobsen
on January 9, 2017

I had failed lap band surgery and three hernia repairs afterwards. Last one with mesh. I had surgery November 11/8/2016 to remove my pancreas, gall bladder and spleen. I have a stone in my pancreas. Due to a frozen abdomen - scar tissue, adhesions and mesh over all organs. Doctor stopped the surgery. Only able to remove the gall bladder. I still have an open wound and a wound vac that is pulling mesh out of my abdomen. It smells awful. I am hoping you can help.

Posted byJames Clark
on January 9, 2017

3 years of horrible testicular pain and numerous other health issues from a mesh hernia repair,,,, as well as loosing my job and quality of life.... Read this part!!!!!!! I found a doctor in Las Vegas named Dr. Kevin Petersen whom does a special surgery to remove the mesh and repair the hernia ,, no mesh!!! After the surgery my nightmare was over, I finally woke up with no more pain down there !!! It took some time and I'm not 100% but I feel as if my life was given back to me,, please if you suffer like I was check this Dr. K.P. Out, he saved my life,, God bless, James Clark

Posted bywilliam skiles
on January 5, 2017

had surgery 2years ago drainage is still draing will not heal

Posted byJackson Womack
on January 3, 2017

I had a mesh implanted for my hernia 2 years ago this month. I had a horrible recovery with pain and swelling and as well had terrible pains when I ate almost anything. Since the implant, a year later I had a 2nd Cat scan to make sure my pain was not from the mesh failure. I had the 2nd scan because I could easily tell I was having scar tissue build up and it was pressing down on the bowel and not allowing my bowel movement to pass through as easily as before the operation and causing immense pain. I had to draw a picture of this theory of mine to show my doctor and to prove I needed that 2nd Cat scan. Sure enough, the radiologist reported that "the wall had thickened." Ok, I was right, so what, I kind of got from my doctor. So, now I have adapted and feel better, not great but much better. My wife, as well a nurse, began to re-adapt my diet. She made me each morning an unbelievable vegetable, fruit and plant based smoothy. As well my wife put soluble and non soluble fiber in the mixture and that made sure the bowel was soft and easy to pass without much pain at all. That alone changed my health, but as well, made sure I was getting all the nutrients I needed to feel better and live well. As for as lunch or dinner, I eliminated eating meats other than chopped baked chicken or fish with additional vegetables. I am not back to where I was before the surgery, and will never be, but I believe the change in diet has minimized the problems with mesh implants.

Posted byJanet Gaetke
on December 30, 2016

I need a lawyer definitely after reading all of this omg I have been through so many surgeries related to this the mesh failed gave me another hernia on top of the one I had I got infections and had horrific pain and was hospitalized several times. I still have symptoms today I have pain that is in my abdomen that I have just learned to live with I have a giant piece of mesh holding it together and I feel nothing but worry and panic knowing some day that will have to be dealt with and because of all the prior related surgery I've already had I wonder what can really be done without severe injury or everlasting perpetual pain to me just to keep my organs in my body and my muscles together etc. I have been so deeply affected by what has happened to me with this experience I can't lift anything I have to be careful of everything so I don't injur my abdomen do I don't get another tear I just have to over think everything all the time and have had to for a few years now I can't pick up my grandkids I can't play certain games with them you are just so limited in what you can do because you're terrified your belly is gonna pop or tear or split and it drives you crazy all the time it is mentally taxing all the times you have to say no to friends and family to not having fun.

Posted byAudrie McKinnie
on December 28, 2016

I continue to have constant pain in stomach and back bulging in hernia area and some bowel problems

Posted byDawn Hall
on December 21, 2016

I have a hernia and I'm scared to death of having surgery!

Posted byGary Aylett
on December 20, 2016

!)Had a colonoscopy at the Atlanta, (Decatur) VA Hospital on 5/21/15. Was admitted to Kennesaw Wellstar emergency on 5/23/15 with perforated bowel and torn rectum. Heart went into defib 19 times and had gangrene in three places. Had a total of 5 surgeries thru 7/20/16 including two incisional hernias with mesh. They had to rebuild my rectum and remove approx 4" of large intestine.

Posted byDeborah Edwards
on December 14, 2016

I hate to eat no matter how enjoyable. The pain after is far worse

Posted bySherry
on December 12, 2016

I had hernia surgery for two of them and two days after, hernia came back...now have all the pain I had before...need another surgery. It was hard enough building myself up to do First surgery. While waiting to have surgery there was a older man across the hall asking why he had to have another hernia surgery, that they just supposedly fixed it.

Posted byPam Fantom
on December 9, 2016

After having two failed abdominal surgeries the first surgery the mesh totally disappeared within less then a few weeks, The second surgery similar timing, the mesh has failed again causing me to have to schedule a 3rd surgery to repair and correct a large mass that has now formed about the size of a cantelope, which has caused me to feel intermittent stabbing pain, burning sensations, nausea and sometimes vomiting. The frequent radiating pain being felt on the left side of the mass causes me to have to lay down pressing the area, holding to get temporary relief.

Posted bychris
on November 7, 2016

i have had 2 surgeries and i still feel pains in my abdomen when im just simply walking i feel shooting pains and now im afraid im going to have to get a 3rd surgery! im scared!

Posted byKathy tisdale
on June 27, 2016

I had 4 hernia surgery with mesh and still hurting bad

Posted byGina Wynn
on March 5, 2016

Had a bard ventralex hernia patch placed for an incisional hernia had severe pain and had surgery to remove it.

Posted byAngela Wilson
on January 9, 2016

I have had both abdominal mesh and the bladder sling mesh. I am very concerned as I've heard horror stories from both of these since my surgeries.
I have pain unexplained in my abdominal area that comes and goes. I also have pain during sexual intercourse and a history of unexplained bladder and kidney infections.
Could this be a result of the mesh in my body?

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